In one night, she lost two sons to opioids. She’s on a mission to spare others that unfathomable pain

Becky Savage, a nurse in Indiana, lost her sons Nick and Jack to opioids in a single night. She's on a mission now to prevent more such tragedies.

by Megan ThielkingAug 15, 20174 minutes

GRANGER, Ind. — Becky Savage always starts her talks to students and parents the same way. She shows them pictures of her teenage sons, Nick and Jack, who loved hockey, Taco Bell, and late-night hangouts.

Then, she tells them what happened on June 14, 2015.

Savage was picking up dirty clothes from 18-year-old Jack’s room that Sunday morning. He was sleeping in after a night of graduation parties with Nick and other friends. Jack didn’t respond as she picked up his laundry. She shook him, but he didn’t wake up. She knew to check his pulse — she’s a nurse. He didn’t have one. She started CPR on her son and shouted for help.